State Parks

On this beautiful Fall day we decided to visit Platte River State Park and Schramm State Park. Carter had such a great time running through the "forest."

This is pure joy people!

Along the way he collected lots of sticks.

And listened for the "monkeys throwing coconuts."

All in all it was a great fall morning.

New landscaping

You probably can't tell from this picture, but we got new, amazing new landscaping. Carter just had to check it out and explore it all the first night.

Scooter

As we were playing in the backyard last week Carter discovered a new little friend that he named Scooter. He was fascinated with the little furry caterpillar UNTIL Scooter pooped on him. Then he was done :)

Rainy Day Apple Picking

We were lucky enough to have some of our best friends visit us last weekend. Even though it was rainy and chilly we had lots of outdoor activities planned. Right before they left we decided we would make a trip to Abor Day Farm, in Nebraska City, for apple picking. As we made our way south the rain started picking up and I started questioning our adventure, but Val assured me it would still be fun. So when we arrived we pulled out our umbrellas and jackets.

The rain subsided enough to walk to the top of the observation tower. (Definately not as cool as I thought it would be, but high enough to scare this mama.)

The trail around the observation tower had lots of activities for little ones to enjoy. Carter was really excited about the spider web.

He enjoyed the musical instruments.

He had fun building with the blocks made from different types of wood.

AND THEN we got to do some apple picking. This was also my first time to apple pick, so it was extra special!

We had such a great day and I'm so glad that we got to enjoy it with our good friends!

Friday night Fun!

Carter J LOVES hot dogs, so Dustin decided we should have hot dog roast in our back yard last night. He fired up our fire pit and we got prepared.

Carter was very excited, until he realized it was hot next to the fire. Then, Dustin was all on his own.

Finally, Carter enjoyed an evening bath -- hair style courtesy of dad! :)

Grandma Sherry got Carter a new train station.

First, he had to help dad build it.

Then we had to put it in our HUGE train track already set up.

What more could a little boy want? :)

Enjoy the "All Aboards" and choo-choos!

End of summer catch up

As summer drew to a close I was busy trying to soak up the lazy days.

We spent some time painting . . .

even our faces.

After playing with our neighbors t-ball set we decided Carter needed one of his own. He LOVES it. Although he purposely hits the tee more times than he tries to hit the ball.

Our last weekend before school was in full swing we were lucky enough to have a cook out with some good friends.

Here is Carter enjoying dinner with Brandon.

About 8:30 the kids decided it would be a good time to hop in the pool.

Then we made some s'mores.

At the end of the night, when the kids were overly tired, Kate played Ring Around the Rosie with the boys. She is amazing with the kids.

And last, but not least Carter showed us what he's been learning at school lately, by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (well, his version at least).